I always love when I go to Michigan. I get to spend time with my family and catch up with old friends... I also get to play with all of my mom's stuff! After years of throwing parties, celebrating holidays, and basically any event you can think of... she has so many fun items to play with. My friend, nutritionist, and fellow blogger, Jamie Campbell of Just Ripe Nutrition came over for a lunch when we were in Northern Michigan for another friend's bridal shower. I thought I would share the table setting and a couple of the special things we had to eat.

I can't seem to get enough berries into my diet especially in the spring and summer when they are in season I could have them with every meal! I made homemade strawberry shortcakes. I was testing recipes and tried out a gluten free flour for the biscuits, whipped up some cream (didn't add any sugar), and then macerated a bunch of strawberries with Fustini's balsamic vinegar for about 20 minutes. The assembly is obviously very simple and it's such a light and fresh dessert!

My dad picked us up one of the seasonal specials from one of our favorite restaurants in Boyne City... Cafe Sante. They had grilled bread with an orange/walnut butter that was paired with a ricotta and morel mushroom pate and topped with a fig jam. Yum! If you are ever in the Boyne City area I recommend stopping by Cafe Sante. It's right on the water and the food is great. I suggest ordering the mussels!

My mom and I went through her things and found these fun flower pot napkin holders. The other fresh floral pieces were the inspiration for the flowers. My Aunt Leah is the best florist! She has a shop in Saginaw, Michigan named Grohman's Greenhouse and Flower Shop. If you are in Michigan you should definitely call them! (Click here for her site)